Madison NORML

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Sept. 2, 2007
Jim Stingl: Summerfest's array of arrests offers some sobering news
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Yes, I know Summerfest has been over for eight weeks. But 417 arrest reports from this year's fest just became available for public review, and I figured there had to be something there worth writing about before summer slips away.

It's those behaviorally challenged Illinois folks who get pinched at our beloved festival, right? No, it's mostly us locals and Wisconsinites living within an hour of Maier Festival Park. Of the 373 adults ticketed this summer, 60 were from Illinois and 20 were from other states.

Significantly more females (143) than males (110) were arrested for underage drinking, but their excuses to the cops were equally lame. However, gals seem to learn their lesson faster than guys, who made up two-thirds of the 28 repeat offenders. Ryan, a stumbling 19-year-old from Hartland, had an astounding five priors, the report said.

And this is surprising: Most of the people busted for public urination on the grounds did it right on the police command post down there. Perhaps it made them easier to catch. You might think marking this particular territory could enhance the fine, but it's still $175, like any other disorderly conduct.

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The drug war has been waged at Summerfest from its muddy beginning. Here's the one thing I can say for sure: If you want to get arrested for smoking marijuana, do it on the rocks along Lake Michigan. Just about every pot bust came right there, as the tickets say, "in plain view."

Drug citations average about six a day. People smoking joints get off easier than those smoking pipes, who usually find themselves with two tickets - $367 for the pot, and a $235 second hit for the paraphernalia. Adam from Milwaukee said he brought the illegal weed to the festival because he lacked money for beer.

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